jamela simon graduated from penn state in december, and found work with the community service program in washington, d.c. in our ongoing series "you're hired," simon tells us why working for americorps works for her. >> my name is jamela simon, and i am a site coordinator at lift d.c. i work one on one with clients to meet their needs. by helping them find housing, employment, apply for public benefits. i always had this obligation, this urge to work in the community one on one with people, whether it be for a community organization, nonprofit, or just any organization. this job, working with americorps, gave me a way out. it gave me a chance to do what i want to do, and at the same time, gain financial stability and independence. through the americorps program, they allow you to not only defer your loans until after you have finished your term, but they also give you the eli siegel award, which is approximately $5,000 to use towards repaying loans or to further your education that, along with the sense of community based scholarship and service, encourages people to want to join the